Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery Sri Lanka

3 March, 2022 | Farms | 23 seen

Kosgoda Turtle Care program aims to protect sea turtle eggs and increase hatching rates.

I had a chance to visit Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery in Sri Lanka at the start of January 2022, during a day trip from our hotel at Bentota. After returning from the Madu Ganga riverboat safari our guides took us to the Turtle hatchery. 

Arriving on the site a guide come made a littlec excusrion on the site, telling the story how turtles are rescued, hatched and released back to Ocean.

It was said they are also treating disabled Turtles and the weak ones. Also it was said that their staff patrols the beach all night looking for mother sea turtles that come out of the ocean to lay their eggs.

The they Pprotect the mother turtle during the nesting process and when she is finished laying the eggs are put safely back in the ocean,

I dont want to sound very sceptical, but for me it sounded more like a good business project. Several times I was offered to buy a plat with my name for donation $300, maybe $500 or maybe $1,000. I'm not saying this is bad, but the cold selling was not very something I was interested and I kindly refused buying a plate with my or my family name. Although I saw a few such plates.

If you are interested more you can join the effort to save the turtles. It is said Kosgoda Turtle Care welcomes local and international visitors to share the experience of the baby sea turtle release or see the process in action for education and awareness of sea turtle issues. 

Visit KosgodaTurleCare.com to learn more

Daytrip to Gori (and not because of the Stalin's museum)

1 March, 2022 | Travel guides | 10 seen

At the end of January 2022, after just returning from Sri Lanka we decided to take an easy weekend trip to Gori in Georgia.

I have a good friend David living in Gori. After a quick WhatsApp chat, we agreed to have some nice dinner at Villa Park Gori restaurant with a home wine, also David recommended staying at the fancy Georgia Gold hotel.

Day trip to Gori and nearby vicinity

On a Friday evening, we took our daughter from the school and straight went to Gori, there we checked in at Royal House hotel, ordered a taxi from Bolt picked up my friend and went to the Villa Park Gori restaurant where we enjoyed some of the tastiest foods, live music and a lot of homemade wine from David's Marani.

Back to the hotel for some leep, the next morning I took a drone and made some nice aerial photography with Gori Fortress. After checking out from Royal House hotel we headed to the fancy Georgia Gold hotel for a very delicious breakfast.

From here we took a route to Gori Jvari, back to Gori with a quick stop at Gori Railway station, and back to Tbilisi.

As you can see, we skipped Stalin's Museum in Gori this time

Bentota Beach in Sri Lanka

28 February, 2022 | Tourism objects | 30 seen

Bentota is a small coastal resort town, about a 2-hour drive away from Colombo, Sri Lanka.

We visited Bentota and Bentota beaches at the start of January 2022, while staying at the 5-star resort hotel Taj Bentota and Spa

It is said that Bentota has been the water sport capital of Sri Lanka with the hoteliers in the area actively promoting water sports from adrenaline filled speed boat and jet ski riding, wind surfing, boogie boarding, water skiing, kite surfing, to a leisurely ride on a banana boat for the family & kids.

During our stay here we both built sand castles, surfed and anf course get some tan at the lovely white sand beaches of Bentota.

If there is a reason to Visit Sri Lanka, Indian Ocean and Bentota beach would be at top of my priorities.

And drones fly at Pasanauri

25 February, 2022 | Living in Georgia | 10 seen

'Un droni lido Pasanauri '- or another strange but awesome weekend has been in our tapes - it was planned to visit Gudauri, but 16km from the skiing resort the road was blocked, we turned our car around and visited Ralph Schmidt in Gudaleti, with nice views toward Mount Kazbek instead. 

Bandaranaike International Airport / Colombo, Sri Lanka

24 February, 2022 | Airports | 56 seen

Bandaranaike International Airport,  commonly known as Colombo International Airport is the main international airport serving Sri Lanka.

It is named after former Prime Minister S.W.R.D. Bandaranaike and is located in a suburb of Negombo, 32.5 kilometres (20+1⁄4 miles) north of the nation's longstanding capital and commercial center, Colombo. It is administered by Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd and serves as the hub of SriLankan Airlines, the national carrier of Sri Lanka, and domestic carrier Cinnamon Air. The other airport serving the city of Colombo is the Ratmalana International Airport, primarily serving domestic destinations.

We first visited Colombo airport at the start of January 2022, arrving here by Qatar Ariways from Doha (Tbilisi) here. 

About Thirty seven airlines currently serve the airport's over 10.79 million annual passengers. The airport has three passenger terminals. Terminal 1 is the current international terminal, built in 1967. Which indeed seems bit outdated.

Terminal 2 is the new international terminal, which was expected to be completed in 2019. Terminal 3 is the new domestic terminal, which opened back in  November 2012.

There are several international cafeterias and restaurants located in the Terminal building

Tuk=-tuks, taxi, public bus service avaulable from the airport to the Colombo city. We used airport shuffle service both arriving and departing the airport. The cost was about $30-$35 for a comfortable Nissan X-Trail jeep with AC

Villa Park Gori

22 February, 2022 | Restaurant reviews | 46 seen

If there is a reason to visit Gori in Georgia, then a visit to Villa Park Gori restaurant in Georgia would be at the top of my priorities.

Villa Park Gori is an elite-class restaurant in Gori, with comfortable spaces and a variety of dishes. Located on Tskhinvali highway a few kilometers out of the Gori town.

My friend David took us here at the end of January 2022

Tasty Georgian and European cuisine. Live music. English speaking staff. Awesome.

We spent here a few hours drinking red wine David took from his home. Trying many dishes, badrijani, lobio a lot of mcvadi. The Bill? Under 100 GEL.

If you happen to be in the area - I highly recommend visiting Villa Park Gori

Cinnamon Island, Sri Lanka

21 February, 2022 | Tourism objects | 294 seen

Cinnamon Island is situated in Bentota in Sri Lanka. This is a little, but a charming island that offers a few fun activities for you. Here you will be able to learn about cinnamon cultivation and if lucky will meet a monkey or at least a dog.

We visited Cinnamon Island at the start of January 2022, during our trip to Sri Lanka, and in particular during the Madu Ganga River Boat Safari.

Cinnamon Island is situated in the Southern Province in Sri Lanka. This is the place where you will be able to learn about the cinnamon harvesting and even the whole process of cinnamon cultivation. You can even visit this place with your friends and family as this is a very informative place and there’s so much you can learn

You can plan a trip to Cinnamon Island where you will be able to visit a family that runs a cinnamon plantation. You will gain a lot of knowledge here such as the process of peeling cinnamon, harvesting cinnamon, growing cinnamon, and how to obtain oil from cinnamon. This is a very unique experience you and your loved ones can get.

Learn more:  Cinnamon Island

Sri Lanka Chronicles: A Tropical Escape to Colombo, Bentota, and Galle

18 February, 2022 | Travel guides | 25 seen

Ahoy, fellow wanderers! Join me in this travelogue as I take you on a sun-kissed journey through the gem of the Indian Ocean – Sri Lanka. In January 2022, the island nation unveiled its wonders as I explored the vibrant cityscape of Colombo, basked in the coastal bliss of Bentota, and wandered through the historic charm of Galle. With the Indian Ocean as our constant companion, infinity swimming pools beckoning, and a myriad of flavors to savor, this was a trip to remember. Buckle up for tales of exotic fruits, fish curry feasts, encounters with elephants and varans, tuk-tuk adventures, and the warmth of +38°C. Welcome to the tropical paradise that is Sri Lanka!

Colombo: A Tapestry of Modernity and Tradition

Our adventure kicked off in Colombo, the bustling capital that seamlessly blends modernity with its rich cultural tapestry. The city's vibrant markets, colonial architecture, and the soothing Indian Ocean breeze set the stage for an enchanting journey.

Bentota: Coastal Bliss and Infinity Pools

Next on our itinerary was Bentota, where the Indian Ocean waves gently kissed the shores of golden beaches. Our stay in Bentota was a luxurious affair, with infinity swimming pools offering breathtaking views of the coastline. Exotic fruits became our daily indulgence, providing a refreshing contrast to the warm tropical sun.

Culinary Delights: Fish Curry, Milk Rice, and More

Sri Lanka's culinary scene proved to be a highlight of the trip. Fish curry, a staple of the coastal regions, delighted our taste buds with its aromatic spices and fresh catch. Milk rice, a traditional Sri Lankan dish, added a touch of sweetness to our gastronomic adventure. Every meal was a celebration of the island's rich culinary heritage.

Wildlife Encounters: Elephants, Varans, and Tuk-Tuk Rides

No visit to Sri Lanka is complete without encountering its diverse wildlife. Majestic elephants roamed freely in protected sanctuaries, offering a glimpse into the country's commitment to conservation. Varans, with their prehistoric charm, made unexpected appearances, adding a touch of wild allure. Navigating the bustling streets in tuk-tuks became an exhilarating experience, allowing us to embrace the lively spirit of the island.

Galle: A Historic Tapestry

Our journey reached its historical climax in Galle, a UNESCO World Heritage site adorned with Dutch-colonial architecture. The fortified city, surrounded by ancient walls, echoed with tales of bygone eras. Amidst the narrow cobblestone streets, we discovered the tranquility of Buddhist temples, symbolizing the enduring spirit of Sri Lanka.

As the sun set on our Sri Lankan adventure, the memories of Colombo's vibrancy, Bentota's coastal serenity, and Galle's historic charm lingered. Sri Lanka, with its warm hospitality, diverse landscapes, and culinary treasures, left an indelible mark on our hearts. Join me in reliving the magic of January 2022, where +38°C felt like a warm embrace from the tropics. Stay tuned for more travel tales, and until then, may your adventures be as vibrant as the colors of Sri Lanka!

Taj Bentota Resort & Spa Hotel Review in Sri Lanka

17 February, 2022 | Hotel reviews | 38 seen

Taj Bentota Resort & Spa -  is located in Sri Lanka's Galle District, offering breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean. Pampering spa services, an outdoor pool, and 5 dining options are provided.

We booked this 5-star hotel for a 3-night stay at the start of January 2022, while traveling near the Ocean in Sri Lanka. For a 3 night stay here we paid about USD 580.

The room seemed a bit small at the first glance, but after all it was quite perfect (as most of the time we did spent near the Indian Ocean or at the swimming pool)

The property's well-lit rooms come equipped with a minibar and tea/coffee maker. It provides a cable TV and safety deposit boxes. Private balconies have outdoor seating areas and overlook the sea.

Taj Bentota Resort & Spa is 60 km from South Colombo. It is approximately 90 km from Bandaranaike International Airport. Guests who drive can enjoy free parking.

For getting here we arranged a transfer from our hotel in Colombo, see Hilton Colombo Residence Apartment Review and paid about $60 fpr the shuttle service

The Palms 24-hour restaurant serves international cuisine, while authentic Chinese food is offered at Oriental Pavilion. Other dining options include fresh seafood at the open-air S.H.A.C.K., fine dining at Sea View and cocktails at the hotel's 2 bars.

A lot of fun activities to enjoy at the beaches. One day we surfed here, the second day organized the Madu Ganga River Boat Safari

One of the best Resorts I've stayed so far. Will defitnetly return here someday!

Book now on Booking.com

Royal House Gori

16 February, 2022 | Hotel reviews | 15 seen

The Royal house is said to be a 4-star hotel located in Gori, Georgia.

I booked this place for a one-night stay at the end of January 2022.  The pictures on Booking.com and reality are totally different.  Luckily the price I paid was just GEL 64 (that's about EUR 20) and the stay was only one night.

Now, the so-called hotel is decent, there is a bed (a lot of beds) heating, shower. Just hard to call it a 4-star hotel, more like a hostel or a guest house.

As we had a lot of wine that night, the stay was OK. 

ideally suited for backpackers or you get what you paid for. Really I was hopiing to get a 4-star hotel for 20 EUR? LOL

If you are looking for a cheap and decent stay in Gori - google for Royal House. As I was actually looking for at least 4-star hotel when booking it, I cannot unfortunetly recomend this time. 

Galle Face Green

15 February, 2022 | Tourism objects | 17 seen

Galle Face is a 5 ha (12 acres) ocean-side urban park, which stretches for 500 m (1,600 ft) along the coast, in the heart of Colombo, the financial and business capital of Sri Lanka.

The promenade was initially laid out in 1859 by Governor Sir Henry George Ward, although the original Galle Face Green extended over a much larger area than is seen today. The Galle Face Green was initially used for horse racing and as a golf course, but was also used for cricket, polo, football, tennis and rugby.

i had a chance to visit Galle Face green park at the start of January 2022, during our 11 day trip in Sri Lanka. To get here I was using the tuk-tuk service.

We our Tuk - Tuk driver at Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo, he agreed to show us top 10 Colombo places for just 1,000 Sri Lankam Rupees

Galle Face Green originally extended over a much larger area than exists today. Records indicate that it was bounded to the north by Beira Lake, the ramparts of Colombo Fort and the city's cemetery (established in 1803), to the west by the Indian Ocean, whilst to the south by the Galle Face Hotel (established in 1864, although the original building on the site was a Dutch villa) and to the east by St Peter's Church (consecrated in 1821).

The Galle Face Green was initially laid out by the Dutch as a means to enable their cannons a strategic line of fire against the Portuguese. One version of how the name Galle Face is derived, is that it is from the original Dutch name for the fortifications, in that the gateway which gave access to the Colombo Fort was called the Gal Gate, as it faced southwards to Galle and faas means front, so it literally means in front of the fortification that faced toward Galle. Another version is it is a corruption of the original name for the area's rocky shoreline, Gal Bokka, Gal being the Sinhalese for rock and that Gal Gate actually meant rock gate.

Seems like a nice place near the beach at Indian Ocean

Sulfur Bath N5 in Tbilisi

14 February, 2022 | Health & Wellness | 161 seen

Sulfur Bath N5 is located in the Tbilisi Bath district of Abanotubani. 

We have been heading to these bathhouses a lot in the past (back in 2011-2013), since then we have changed our location, visiting other, not so fancy ones on Kyiv street, but lately again, we have started to visit sulfur bathhouses in the old town district.

Chreli Abano Sulfur Bath in Tbilisi

This time we visited Bath house N5

The bathhouse is located near the Heydar Aliyev park

We got this small but deep sulfur bath for about GEL 70. 

Tea with jam after or during the bath. 

Place seems bit neglected, but also price for private rooms is bit lower. I guess they also have public bath available both for men and women (seperetly)

Experienced my second Earth Quake in Tbilisi

14 February, 2022 | Living in Georgia | 11 seen

On February 13, 2022, late evening for the second time in my life, I felt tremors of an earthquake and they happened in Tbilisi, capital of Georgia. According to the sources the magnitude of the earthquake was 5.4 with the epicenter in Armenia.

My previous experience with earthquakes dates back to June 2014, when I experienced tremours from a 4.8 magnitudes strong earthquake.

We were watching a TV show, when the tremours started, the bed was shacking quite well. I bit panicked, ran to the child room and quickly thought how to evacuate in case of something serious, but couldn't figure nothing better than just to cover our child with my body. Luckly the tremours soon stopped, but I still felt concerned for a few more hours.

M 5.4 - 19 km WSW of Metsavan, Armenia
2022-02-13 18:25:55 (UTC)41.160°N 44.001°E10.0 km depth

Stay safe and take into consideration - time by time - earthquakes happen in Georgia.

Bakuriani ski resort in Georgia

11 February, 2022 | Living in Georgia | 20 seen

Bakuriani COOL - another awesome weekend has been on our tapes. The little one for the first time on skates and skis. Paragliding, chariot riding, and some investment opportunities. Enjoy the video and thumbs up!

Independence Memorial Hall in Colombo

10 February, 2022 | Tourism objects | 22 seen

Independence Memorial Hall is a national monument in Sri Lanka built for commemoration of the independence of Sri Lanka from British rule with the restoration of full governing responsibility to a Ceylonese-elected legislature on February 4, 1948.

It is located in Independence Square (formally Torrington Square) in the Cinnamon Gardens, Colombo. It also houses the Independence Memorial Museum.

I first visited it at the start of January 2022 during our first sightseeing trip around Colombo. Got here by a tuk-tuk.

The monument was built at the location where the formal ceremony marking the start of self-rule, with the opening of the first parliament by Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester occurred at a special podium February 4, 1948.

Located at the head of the monument is the statue of the first prime minister of the country Rt. Hon. Don Stephen Senanayake "The Father of the Nation". Most of the annual National Independence Day celebrations have been held here. Apart from a monument it served as the ceremonial assembly hall for the Senate of Ceylon and the House of Representatives of Ceylon until the parliament was moved to the new parliament complex. Currently it is the venue for religious events and annual national day celebrations.